Clean up efforts are underway in Johnson City, Texas, after severe storms battered the area on Thursday night. The Hill Country town experienced hail as large as grapefruits, causing damage to property and vehicles.

Witnesses Describe the Intensity of the Storm

Security camera footage from Johnson City Bank captured the rapid escalation from light rain to a ferocious hail storm. Residents like Ali Dameron recounted their experiences, highlighting the urgency to seek shelter. Dameron, who resides in a manufactured home, hastily sought refuge in his truck as the storm approached. He expressed relief that the worst of it passed just a short distance away but described the event as pretty scary.

Unprecedented Hail Sizes Leave Residents Astonished

Residents, including lifelong locals like Lisa Lusk, expressed shock at the unprecedented size of the hailstones. Images shared with NEWS.ORG 7 Austin depicted hailstones as large as baseballs and even grapefruits. Lusk, reflecting on her long tenure in the area, remarked that she had never witnessed such extreme weather before.

Extensive Damage and Narrow Escapes

The aftermath of the storm revealed extensive damage, with shredded leaves from trees littering the streets and numerous vehicles sustaining broken windshields. Steven and Ashley Rogers, who narrowly avoided damage to their car by seeking shelter just before the storm hit, recounted their close call. Prompted by a warning from Ashley’s mother, the couple hurriedly parked their car under cover moments before the hailstorm struck, narrowly avoiding potential destruction.

Impact on Surrounding Communities

The severe weather was not confined to Johnson City alone, as neighboring areas also felt its force. Henly, a small community east of Johnson City, experienced large hail, prompting concern from residents like Donavan Trahan. Trahan, who manages an exotic resort zoo in the vicinity, noted the zoo’s efforts to protect its animals during the storm. Despite the challenges, all animals were safely sheltered, with even the giraffes finding refuge. Trahan emphasized the precautionary measures taken, including the quick evacuation of smaller birds.

Swift Clean-Up Efforts and Assessment of Damage

In the wake of the storm, clean-up operations in Johnson City proceeded swiftly, mirroring the rapid pace of the preceding weather event. Concerns about potential rainfall over the weekend spurred urgency in the clean-up efforts. City officials conducted damage assessments throughout the day to gauge the extent of the destruction and evaluate the possibility of declaring a disaster. Initial reports indicated damage to over 30 homes, underscoring the significant impact of the storm on the community.

Conclusion: Resilience Amidst Adversity

Despite the challenges posed by the severe storm, the resilience of Johnson City residents shines through in their swift response to the aftermath. As clean-up efforts continue and assessments of damage progress, the community remains united in overcoming the impact of this unprecedented weather event.

Sources:

• NEWS.ORG 7 Austin: Link to original article
• Local weather reports

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